Cholesterol chart for adults
| Total cholesterol | HDL cholesterol | LDL cholesterol | Triglycerides | |
| Good | Less than 200 (but the lower the better) | Ideal is 60 or higher; 40 or higher for ... | Less than 100; below 70 if coronary arte ... | Less than 149; ideal is <100 |
| Borderline to moderately elevated | 200–239 | n/a | 130–159 | 150–199 |
| High | 240 or higher | 60 or higher | 160 or higher; 190 considered very high | 200 or higher; 500 considered very high |
| Low | n/a | less than 40 for men and less than 50 fo ... | n/a | n/a |
What is the optimum healthy level of cholesterol?
These are some things you can do to lower your cholesterol levels:
- Diet. Saturated fat and cholesterol in the food you eat make your blood cholesterol level rise. ...
- Weight. Being overweight is a risk factor for heart disease. ...
- Physical Activity. Not being physically active is a risk factor for heart disease. ...
- Smoking. Cigarette smoking lowers your HDL (good) cholesterol. ...
What cholesterol level is dangerous to health?
Your triglyceride reading is:
- optimal if less than 100 mg/dL
- borderline high at 100 to 149 mg/dL
- high if 150 to 499 mg/dL
- very high if higher than 500 mg/dL
What drugs can lower cholesterol levels?
You might also need to take cholesterol medications to help:
- Decrease your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol that increases the risk of heart disease
- Decrease your triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood that also increases the risk of heart disease
- Increase your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol that offers protection from heart disease
What vegetables are good to reduce cholesterol levels?
What Vegetables Are Good to Reduce Cholesterol Levels?
- A High Vegetable Diet. A diet that is high in a variety of vegetables can help to lower LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol levels and greatly improve the health of your ...
- Carrots. Regularly eating carrots can have a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels. ...
- Garlic. ...
- Broccoli. ...
- Avocado. ...
- Vegetable Balance. ...
- References. ...
At what point should cholesterol be treated?
-Triglycerides should be less than 150. Dr. Laffin said high cholesterol is treated with a combination of exercise, a heart healthy diet, and cholesterol lowering medications. He generally recommends starting medications when 'bad' cholesterol is greater than 180.
At what level should you start a statin?
For most patients with an LDL-C >100 mg/dL (>2.59 mmol/L) and a 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk of 10 percent or greater, we initiate statin therapy.
What level of HDL requires medication?
Total cholesterol: below 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) LDL cholesterol: less than 130 mg/dL, or less than 100 mg/dL if you have heart disease or diabetes, or less than 70 mg/dL if you've had a heart attack or stroke. HDL cholesterol: above 50 mg/dL for females and 40 mg/dL for males.
At what level should I worry about my cholesterol?
An LDL (bad cholesterol) level of 190 or above is considered a serious risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and other problems caused by clogged arteries.
When should I start taking statins for high cholesterol?
with LDL-C levels ≥70 mg/dL (≥1.8 mmol/L), at a 10-year ASCVD risk of ≥7.5%, start a moderate-intensity statin if a discussion of treatment options favors statin therapy.
What is considered dangerously high cholesterol?
A person is considered at high risk for developing heart disease if their total cholesterol level is higher than 240 mg/dL, LDL levels are higher than 160 mg/dL (190 mg/dL is even higher risk), and if the HDL level is below 40 mg/dL.
Does borderline cholesterol need medication?
Making simple changes in your lifestyle is often enough to bring borderline cholesterol levels down to the normal range. Some people may also need to take medicine for it. And keep in mind that other things, like diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking, also affect your heart health; it's not just about cholesterol.
How can I lower my cholesterol without taking statins?
AdvertisementEat heart-healthy foods. A few changes in your diet can reduce cholesterol and improve your heart health: ... Exercise on most days of the week and increase your physical activity. Exercise can improve cholesterol. ... Quit smoking. ... Lose weight. ... Drink alcohol only in moderation.
What are the warning signs of high cholesterol?
What are the warning signs of high cholesterol?Nausea.Numbness.Slurred speech.Extreme fatigue.Chest pain or angina.Shortness of breath.Numbness or coldness in extremities.High blood pressure.
What is stroke level cholesterol?
Levels of LDL cholesterol higher than 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) are linked to an increased risk for ischemic stroke.
Is 5.5 cholesterol too high?
Safe blood cholesterol levels Health authorities recommend that cholesterol levels should be no higher than 5.5 mmol per litre if there are no other risk factors present.
Is 5.7 cholesterol high?
High cholesterol levels are considered: too high: between 5 and 6.4mmol/l. very high: between 6.5 and 7.8mmol/l. extremely high: above 7.8mmol/l.
When should atorvastatin be prescribed?
Doctors often prescribe statins for people with high cholesterol to lower their total cholesterol and reduce their risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Should you take statins if your cholesterol is normal?
Statin drugs reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol, the type that puts you at risk for cardiovascular disease. But even if your cholesterol is not particularly high, it could still be smart to consider starting a statin.
Are statins the best choice for me?
You should think carefully about taking a statin at the same time as starting those lifestyle changes. Statins are generally recommended for people who have CVD (such as people with angina or who have had a heart attack). But ultimately, the choice is yours.
How old is too old to remove LDL?
As both men and women age, their livers become less able to remove LDL. Men aged 45 years or older and women aged 55 years or older have an increased risk of high cholesterol
What is the lipoprotein that builds up on the walls of the arteries?
This lipoprotein is commonly known as “bad cholesterol.” LDL is what carries cholesterol to the parts of your body that need it to function. It is also what builds up on artery walls when there is too much of it. Higher levels of HDL in the blood are linked to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.
Does HDL cholesterol lower your cholesterol?
This lipoprotein is commonly known as “good cholesterol.” HDL removes excess cholesterol from the blood and carries it to the liver to be eliminated from your body. Increasing your “good cholesterol” can lower your “bad cholesterol” and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Does alcohol affect cholesterol?
Drinking alcohol in moderation will not affect your cholesterol levels much . Moderate drinking is defined as 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women. Drinking in excess of these amounts can negatively impact your liver’s ability to create HDL raise total cholesterol levels.
Can high cholesterol cause heart disease?
Your risk of high cholesterol may increase if your father or brother had heart disease before age 55 , or if your mother or sister had heart disease before age 65 . Parents can pass certain genes on to their children that cause their bodies to create too much cholesterol or remove too little. High cholesterol can run in the family.
Does being overweight increase cholesterol?
Being overweight can also contribute to high cholesterol. A body mass index (BMI) of over 30 puts you at greater risk of higher LDL, lower HDL and higher triglyceride levels.
Is high cholesterol bad for you?
There is so much talk about the dangers of “high cholesterol,” you may start to think that all cholesterol is bad. In truth, your body needs cholesterol. This waxy fat, or “lipid,” is necessary for digestion, for building cells, for making certain hormones and for ensuring normal organ function. However, as it is with many things that are good for you in the right amount, too much of it can cause serious health problems.
Understanding Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a type of lipid, a fatty, waxy substance in your blood. High amounts of cholesterol can build up inside your arteries. This can clog and narrow your arteries so blood can’t flow easily. Blood clots can form, break away, and cause a stroke or heart attack.
Types of High Cholesterol
There are different types of high cholesterol, based on what’s causing it:
How to Know if You Need Treatment
Everyone with high cholesterol should start with heart-healthy lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, quitting smoking, and weight loss. But if your cardiac risk is high, you may need treatment with medications, too.
What to do if your cholesterol is too high?
If your cholesterol blood test was deemed to be “too high,” your doctor would likely recommend treatment—perhaps with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, or perhaps with one of several kinds of medications available for reducing cholesterol levels . MAURIZIO DE ANGELIS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images.
What is the 2013 cholesterol guidelines?
The 2013 guidelines on cholesterol have made a marked shift in what treatment is recommended for people in the high-risk categories. Whereas older guidelines emphasized reducing cholesterol to target treatment levels, the new guidelines do not. Rather, they emphasize reducing overall cardiac risk instead of recommending target cholesterol levels.
Is cholesterol a factor in cardiovascular risk?
Today, treatment recommendations are not based solely on cholesterol levels, but rather, on the overall level of cardiovascular risk. Cholesterol levels themselves are taken into account, but only as one of the many factors that determine cardiac risk.
What is the ideal LDL cholesterol level?
LDL cholesterol. Triglycerides. Good. Less than 200 (but the lower the better) Ideal is 60 or higher; 40 or higher for men and 50 or higher for women is acceptable. Less than 100; below 70 if coronary artery disease is present. Less than 149; ideal is <100. Borderline to moderately elevated. 200–239.
When should kids get their cholesterol checked?
recommend that all children have their cholesterol checked between ages 9 and 11, and then again between ages 17 and 21. Children with more risk factors, such as having diabetes, obesity, or a family history of high cholesterol, should be checked between ages 2 and 8, and again between ages 12 and 16.
How to increase HDL cholesterol?
Physical activity can help you lose weight and boost your HDL cholesterol. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes a day of moderate cardiovascular exercise, such as biking, jogging, swimming, and dancing, at least 5 times a week.
What happens if you have high cholesterol?
Cholesterol in your bloodstream can build up in blood vessel walls, causing blockages that can lead to: reduced blood flow to the heart and increased risk for heart attack. decreased blood flow to the brain and increased risk for stroke. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Trusted Source.
Does smoking lower HDL?
Smoking decreases HDL cholesterol. If you smoke, quitting can help you better manage your cholesterol levels. It’s important to remember that everyone is different. Family history and whether or not you have other conditions, such as diabetes or obesity, play a role in your individual risk.
Does too much cholesterol cause a heart attack?
It’s also found in certain foods. Your body needs some cholesterol to function properly. But having too much of the bad type of cholesterol — LDL — puts you at risk for having a heart attack or stroke. Cholesterol in your bloodstream can build up in blood vessel walls, causing blockages that can lead to:
Is cholesterol higher in men or women?
Men are generally at a higher risk than women for higher cholesterol . However, a woman’s risk goes up after she enters menopause. For those with high cholesterol and other cardiac risk factors, such as diabetes, more frequent testing is recommended.
What is the best cholesterol level for a person with heart disease?
Your ideal cholesterol level will depend on your risk for heart disease. Total cholesterol level – less than 200 is best, but it depends on your HDL and LDL levels. LDL cholesterol levels – less than 130 is best, but this depends on your risk for heart disease.
How old do you have to be to check your cholesterol?
A simple blood test will reveal your cholesterol level. Men 35 years of age and older and women 45 years of age and older should have their cholesterol checked. Men and women 20 years of age and older who have risk factors for heart disease should have their cholesterol checked.
Why is it important to check your cholesterol levels?
That is why it is important to have your cholesterol levels checked, especially if you have a family history of heart disease. Reducing your LDL “bad cholesterol” through good diet, exercise, and medicine can make a positive impact on your overall health.
What happens if you have high cholesterol?
If you have high cholesterol, your body may store the extra cholesterol in your arteries. These are blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. A buildup of cholesterol in your arteries is known as plaque. Over time, plaque can become hard and make your arteries narrow. Large deposits of plaque can completely block an ...
What to eat to lower cholesterol?
Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish. Depending on your risk factors, your doctor may prescribe medicine and lifestyle changes. Cholesterol-lowering Medicines. Lifestyle Changes to Lower Your Cholesterol.
Is LDL cholesterol bad?
It removes cholesterol from the bloodstream. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the “bad” cholesterol. If your total cholesterol level is high because of a high LDL level, you may be at higher risk of heart disease or stroke. But, if your total cholesterol level is high only because of a high HDL level, you’re probably not at higher risk.
Is cholesterol good or bad?
Your body also gets cholesterol from the food you eat. This includes eggs, meats, and dairy. Too much bad cholesterol (LDL) can be bad for your health. There is “ good” (HDL) cholesterol and “ bad” (LDL) cholesterol.
How to treat high cholesterol?
Dr. Laffin said high cholesterol is treated with a combination of exercise, a heart healthy diet, and cholesterol lowering medications. He generally recommends starting medications when ‘bad’ cholesterol is greater than 180.
What is the average cholesterol score for a blood test?
Cholesterol screening is a simple blood test. When you get your results, you’ll see a few different numbers. -Total cholesterol should be less than 170. -LDL, or ‘bad’, cholesterol should be less than 110. -HDL, or ‘good’, cholesterol should be 35 or higher. -Triglycerides should be less than 150.
When is cholesterol education month?
September is National Cholesterol Education Month. Millions of people have high cholesterol, putting them at increased risk for heart disease. The good news is high cholesterol is treatable at any age. According to Cleveland Clinic’s Luke Laffin, MD, managing cholesterol starts young.
When was the cholesterol guidelines last updated?
The new cholesterol guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association are out! These guidelines — last updated in 2013 — have been highly anticipated by the cardiology and broader medical community. They have been approved by a variety of additional professional societies, including the American Diabetes Association.
What is the target LDL-C for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease?
For individuals with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease who are at very high risk of cardiac complications, drug therapy beyond statins is recommended to achieve a target LDL-C of 70 mg/dl.
What is the best way to prevent cardiovascular disease?
A healthy diet and regular physical activity are recommended for all age groups as the foundation to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CVD risk factors such as high cholesterol. However, once there is atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (plaque in the arteries), the new guidelines recommend that high-intensity statin therapy ...
What is the first addition beyond high intensity statins?
The first addition beyond high-intensity statins would be the now generic ezetimibe, a cholesterol-lowering drug that works by preventing the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine.
